Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves
Caves Overview and History:The Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves are a pair of prominent twin hills that house approximately 33 rock-cut caves, predominantly created during the reign of King Kharavela in the 2nd century BCE as residential quarters for Jain monks: Key Cave:The most famous is Hathi Gumph a (Elephant Cave) in Udayagiri, which contains the legendary Hathi Gumpha Inscription of King Kharavela, a primary source for the history of ancient Kalinga and Jainism in Odisha: Sculptural Importance:The caves are adorned with intricate friezes and sculptures depicting scenes of everyday life, royal processions, and Jain religious narratives: Spiritual Significance:The site remains a sacred place for the Jain community and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), offering a unique blend of history, archaeology, and spirituality:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeology, Religion, History, CaveEntry Fees:
Entry Fee (Caves): Nominal fee (typically Rs.15-30 for Indian adults;
higher for foreigners) for the managed caves:
Photography/Videography Fee: Typically Free for non-commercial mobile/camera use; commercial ...Entry Fee (Caves): Nominal fee (typically Rs.15-30 for Indian adults;
higher for foreigners) for the managed caves:
Photography/Videography Fee: Typically Free for non-commercial mobile/camera use; commercial photography requires a higher ASI permit:
Guide Fee:
Negotiable fee for local authorized guides:Timing:
Regular Timings:Typically 9:00 AM to 6:
00 PM (All Days):
Ideal Visit Time:Early morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to avoid the midday heat and harsh sun, which is essential f...Regular Timings:Typically 9:00 AM to 6:
00 PM (All Days):
Ideal Visit Time:Early morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to avoid the midday heat and harsh sun, which is essential for the climbing:
Closed Day:Never closed (open monument), but ticket counters may have specific hours:Special Events:
Khandagiri Mela (Magha Mela):A very large, prominent annual fair and religious gathering held near the caves during the Magha month (January/February), drawing thousands of pilgrims and vendors:
Jain Religious Observances:The Jain community h...Khandagiri Mela (Magha Mela):A very large, prominent annual fair and religious gathering held near the caves during the Magha month (January/February), drawing thousands of pilgrims and vendors:
Jain Religious Observances:The Jain community holds various religious ceremonies, especially during Jain festivals, in the small temple atop Khandagiri:Best Photo Spots:
Rani Gumpha's Facade:The elaborate, multi-storied facade of Rani Gumpha is the premier spot for wide and detailed historical photography:
Hathi Gumpha Viewpoint:The large entrance and the context of the inscription's location make for excelle...Rani Gumpha's Facade:The elaborate, multi-storied facade of Rani Gumpha is the premier spot for wide and detailed historical photography:
Hathi Gumpha Viewpoint:The large entrance and the context of the inscription's location make for excellent archaeological shots:
Top of Khandagiri Hill:The panoramic view of the Bhubaneswar city skyline, especially at the golden hour, is fantastic for landscape shots:
Detailed Carvings:Macro and close-up shots of the intricate friezes depicting the court and battle scenes provide stunning historical detail:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Climb to the Top of Both Hills:Systematically explore the caves on Udayagiri first (Hathi Gumpha, Rani Gumpha) and then climb Khandagiri for the view and the small Jain Temple:
Read the Hathi Gumpha Inscription:Spend time trying to decipher the replica or the provided information about the famous Kharavela inscription (written in Brahmi script):
Study the Friezes:Examine the detailed carvings in Rani Gumpha and Ganesh Gumpha to understand the historical narratives of the time:
Visit the Jain Temple:Pay respects at the modern Jain Temple atop Khandagiri Hill:
Take a Rest and Enjoy the View:Relax at the top of Khandagiri and take in the sweeping vista of Bhubaneswar:
Hire a Guide:Engage a local guide to...Climb to the Top of Both Hills:Systematically explore the caves on Udayagiri first (Hathi Gumpha, Rani Gumpha) and then climb Khandagiri for the view and the small Jain Temple:
Read the Hathi Gumpha Inscription:Spend time trying to decipher the replica or the provided information about the famous Kharavela inscription (written in Brahmi script):
Study the Friezes:Examine the detailed carvings in Rani Gumpha and Ganesh Gumpha to understand the historical narratives of the time:
Visit the Jain Temple:Pay respects at the modern Jain Temple atop Khandagiri Hill:
Take a Rest and Enjoy the View:Relax at the top of Khandagiri and take in the sweeping vista of Bhubaneswar:
Hire a Guide:Engage a local guide to fully appreciate the complex history and the stories behind the sculptures:
Information
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Why Famous:
The Hathi Gumpha Inscription:The caves are internationally famous for the monumental Hathi Gumpha Inscription of King Kharavela, one of India's most important historical records, detailing his life and military campaigns:
Ancient Jain Heritage:The Hathi Gumpha Inscription:The caves are internationally famous for the monumental Hathi Gumpha Inscription of King Kharavela, one of India's most important historical records, detailing his life and military campaigns:
Ancient Jain Heritage:The site is a major pilgrimage and archaeological site, marking the historical presence of Jainism in Odisha during the 2nd century BCE, predating many other major religious structures:
Elaborate Sculptural Friezes:The carvings on the caves, especially in Rani Gumpha, are famous for their detailed, narrative depictions of contemporary Kalinga society and royal life:
Panoramic View:The top of Khandagiri Hill offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Bhubaneswar, especially the ancient temple complex in Old Town: -
Architecture:
Architectural Style:The caves are examples of early Jain rock-cut architecture, created by excavating residential and meditation chambers directly into the soft Khondalite rock of the hills:
Cave Design:The design is simple and functional, co...Architectural Style:The caves are examples of early Jain rock-cut architecture, created by excavating residential and meditation chambers directly into the soft Khondalite rock of the hills:
Cave Design:The design is simple and functional, consisting mainly of single- or double-storied rock-cut chambers (Gumphas) with small verandahs, designed to be austere residences for monks:
Notable Features:The most significant architectural features are the highly ornate facade carvings (toranas), pillars, and the intricate friezes found within the main caves like Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) and Ganesh Gumpha:
Dimension:The chambers are generally small (e. g. , Rani Gumpha has two stories and elaborate carvings, covering a considerable area for a rock-cut structure), reflecting monastic austerity: -
How To Reach:
By Air:Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approx. 8 KMS away;
use a taxi or app-based cab:
By Train:The nearest station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approx. 7 KMS away; t...By Air:Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approx. 8 KMS away;
use a taxi or app-based cab:
By Train:The nearest station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approx. 7 KMS away; take an auto-rickshaw to Khandagiri or Chandaka Chowk:
By Road:Located on National Highway 16 (NH-16), making it easily accessible by all city transport;
it is a major landmark:
By Local Transport:Auto-rickshaws are the most direct way; negotiate the fare or use the app-based services;
local buses also stop at Khandagiri Chowk: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons:Best in Winter (October to March) for comfortable climbing and exploration; Monsoon offers lush greenery but makes the rock slippery;
avoid the harsh midday sun of Summer:
Different Pa...Different Types of Seasons:Best in Winter (October to March) for comfortable climbing and exploration; Monsoon offers lush greenery but makes the rock slippery;
avoid the harsh midday sun of Summer:
Different Parts of the Day:Early morning is perfect for climbing before the heat sets in and for the best diffused light for photography: -
Near Tourist Places:
Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts (7 KMS), Ekamra Haat (6 KMS), ISKCON Temple (6 KMS), Nandankanan Zoological Park (15 KMS), Lingaraja Temple (10 KMS), Udayagiri Caves (0. 5 KMS), Odisha State Museum (10 KMS), Regional Museum of Natural History (7. 5 KMS), Dhauli Shanti Stupa (15 KMS), Shishupalgarh (12 KMS):
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for climbing the uneven rock steps; carry ample water;
be aware of monkeys and do not feed them:
Packing:Carry a cap or hat; use sunscreen;Health & Safety:Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for climbing the uneven rock steps; carry ample water;
be aware of monkeys and do not feed them:
Packing:Carry a cap or hat; use sunscreen;
bring an ID card for the ticket counter:
Accommodation:Stay near Khandagiri Chowk or Chandaka Chowk for proximity, with various budget and mid-range hotel options available:
Other Different Topics:It is advisable to visit Udayagiri first (Hathi Gumpha and Rani Gumpha) and then proceed to Khandagiri;
allow at least 2 hours for a thorough exploration:
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